5 Dishes to Cook for New Parents

5 Dishes to Cook for New Parents - Mama Bird Box Blog - Gifts for Pregnancy

Looking for the perfect dish to cook for new parents? Sandwiches, takeout, and snack food can only cut it for a little while – you can wear on on that stuff so easily! Why not surprise the mom and dad with a home cooked meal instead?

We’ve rounded up three delicious, tried-and-true meals below that are sure to wow! Plus… we’ve included additional tips for how to go above and beyond when pampering new parents with food!

1. Pancetta, white bean and chard pot pies (Smitten Kitchen)

3 Dishes to Cook for New Parents - Mama Bird Box Blog - Gifts for Pregnancy - Smitten Kitchen
photo: smitten kitchen

This is one of our favorites! Not to mention the crust is the most delicious. Be sure to make some extra for yourself! Get the recipe here.

2. Fettuccine with asparagus and smoked salmon

3 Dishes to Cook for New Parents - Mama Bird Box Blog - Gifts for Pregnancy - Cooking NY Times
photo: Andrew Scrivani for the New York Times

Another absolutely delicious option. Creamy and filling the smoked salmon is the perfect addition! Get the recipe here.

3. Portuguese chicken and crispy potatoes (feasting at home)

3 Dishes to Cook for New Parents - Mama Bird Box Blog - Gifts for Pregnancy - Feasting at Home
photo: feasting at home

Goodness. This one has yet to disappoint. While this recipe calls for a whole chicken you could also use skin on pieces for a little more ease. It really is incredible! Get the recipe here.

4.Slow Cooker Lentil and Brown Rice Tacos (melanie makes)

slow-cooker-lentil-and-brown-rice-tacos- | Mama Bird Blog

Crock pot recipes are so easy for new parents. Either bring the ingredients and make it in their crock pot while you visit or bring yours to get another day. Lentils and brown rice offer iron and energy for a sluggish, tired mom. Get the recipe here.

5. Lasagna with Slow Roasted Mushrooms and Goat Cheese

mushroom and goat cheese lasagna | Mama Bird Box

Lasagna is a classic post baby meal. Make yours spectacular! Ellie from Kitchen Wench has the recipe here!

When you’re dropping off food for new parents be sure to bring all things in disposable pans. That way mom and dad won’t have to remember who to give items back to and clean up is a snap! We also suggest including a bottle of wine or a dessert of some sort of sweet. A little decadence goes a long way to new parents.

After you gain permission to hold the little one be sure to wash your hands before you reach for baby. A new mom will probably ask you to, but it’s awfully nice to not have to ask!